The cost-effectiveness of using pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) versus pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23), in South African adults.

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Pneumococcal vaccination is part of the South African pediatric public immunization program but the potential cost-effectiveness of such an intervention for adults is unknown. This study aimed to compare the cost-effectiveness of two widely used pneumococcal vaccines: pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) in South African adults, 18 years and older.

Depression in the South African workplace.

Depression is a common psychiatric disorder and can be costly, having a significant impact on the individual and employers. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) in partnership with HEXOR, with the support of Lundbeck, undertook research into depression in the workplace, because South African information is not available on this topic. It provides insight into the prevalence of depression within the workplace in South Africa, as well as the impact of depression on the employees and employers in terms of sick leave and levels of productivity, especially when the symptoms include cognitive impairment.

A first step towards transparency in pricing of medicines and scheduled substances - publication of guidelines for pharmaco-economic submissions.

The National Department of Health of South Africa recently published guidelines for pharmaco-economic (PE) submissions in accordance with the Medicines and Related Substances Act (Act 101 of 1965), which came into effect on 1 April 2013. These guidelines relate to the compilation of PE submissions for evidence of cost-effectiveness of medicine or scheduled substances. The PE guidelines are a first step towards the creation of a mechanism whereby the value of medicine can be quantified in a transparent manner.